Hey there! As someone who’s always looking for quick and tasty dinner solutions, I’ve gotta tell you – precooked shrimp is a total game-changer in my kitchen I know what you’re thinking “Precooked shrimp? Won’t it be bland and rubbery?” Trust me, I had the same concerns! But after lots of experimenting, I’ve discovered some amazing ways to transform these convenient crustaceans into mouthwatering meals
First Things First: Handling Precooked Shrimp Right
Before we dive into the recipes lemme share some quick tips I’ve learned the hard way
- Thawing: Always thaw in the fridge overnight or under cold water. Never leave it out on the counter (trust me, you’ll regret it!)
- Quick Cooking: These babies are already cooked, so you just wanna heat ’em through
- Flavor Boost: Since they’re precooked, they need a little extra love in the seasoning department
- Storage: Keep ’em in the coldest part of your fridge and use within 2 days
My Top 15 Favorite Ways to Use Precooked Shrimp
1. Zesty Shrimp Quesadillas
Y’all these are SO good! Just stuff tortillas with
- Chopped precooked shrimp
- Shredded cheese
- Diced peppers and onions
- A sprinkle of taco seasoning
Cook until golden and crispy. Perfect for busy weeknights!
2. Quick Shrimp Fried Rice
This is my go-to when I’ve got leftover rice:
- Sauté veggies
- Add day-old rice
- Toss in precooked shrimp
- Season with soy sauce and sesame oil
Pro tip: Add a beaten egg at the end!
3. Mediterranean Shrimp Wrap
Fresh and healthy:
- Warm pita bread
- Hummus spread
- Chopped cucumber and tomatoes
- Crumbled feta
- Precooked shrimp
- Drizzle of olive oil
4. Shrimp Pasta Salad
Perfect for summer picnics:
- Cooked pasta (I like fusilli)
- Chopped precooked shrimp
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Light mayo or Greek yogurt dressing
- Fresh herbs
5. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup
So comforting:
- Coconut milk base
- Red curry paste
- Precooked shrimp
- Veggies
- Fresh lime juice
6. Shrimp Cobb Salad
A protein-packed lunch:
- Romaine lettuce
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Bacon bits
- Avocado
- Precooked shrimp
- Your fave dressing
7. Easy Shrimp Tacos
Taco Tuesday upgrade:
- Warm corn tortillas
- Seasoned precooked shrimp
- Shredded cabbage
- Quick lime crema
- Fresh cilantro
8. Shrimp and Avocado Toast
Fancy breakfast vibes:
- Toasted sourdough
- Mashed avocado
- Precooked shrimp
- Red pepper flakes
- Lemon zest
9. Creamy Shrimp Scampi
Quick comfort food:
- Garlic butter sauce
- White wine (optional)
- Precooked shrimp
- Pasta of choice
- Parmesan cheese
10. Asian Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Light but satisfying:
- Butter lettuce leaves
- Seasoned precooked shrimp
- Julienned veggies
- Hoisin sauce
- Crushed peanuts
11. Shrimp and Mango Salsa
Perfect summer app:
- Diced mango
- Red onion
- Jalapeño
- Lime juice
- Chopped precooked shrimp
12. Quick Shrimp Alfredo
Restaurant-worthy:
- Fettuccine
- Creamy Alfredo sauce
- Precooked shrimp
- Broccoli florets
- Extra parm
13. Shrimp Spring Rolls
Fresh and fun:
- Rice paper wrappers
- Precooked shrimp
- Rice noodles
- Fresh herbs
- Peanut dipping sauce
14. Greek Shrimp Pita
Mediterranean vibes:
- Warm pita pockets
- Tzatziki sauce
- Precooked shrimp
- Cucumber and tomatoes
- Feta cheese
15. Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Cozy comfort:
- Creamy base
- Sweet corn
- Potatoes
- Precooked shrimp
- Fresh herbs
Some Final Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t refreeze thawed shrimp
- Pat them dry before using
- Season well – they can handle it!
- Store properly in an airtight container
There ya have it! These are my tried-and-true ways to make precooked shrimp taste amazing. What’s your fave way to use precooked shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your ideas!
P.S. – Don’t forget to grab some extra lemons next time you’re at the store. Trust me, they make EVERYTHING better!
#cooking #quickmeals #seafood #easydinner #kitchenhacks
Would you like me to explain or break down any of these recipes in more detail?
More Tips for Pre-Cooked Shrimp
- If you’re sautéing pre-cooked shrimp with other ingredients, let the latter go first, then add the shrimp a few minutes towards the end.
- You can also consider marinating the shrimp overnight before cooking, but only if their shells are removed.
- Check the sodium content if you’re buying pre-cooked shrimp from the grocery store. This detail will determine how much salt you use in the recipe.
Where to Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Pre-cooked shrimp offers tons of advantages in dishes due to its almost zero-prep requirements and ready-made condition. It’s why they’re a popularly sought-after option for shrimp cocktail side dishes. You can offer them at parties next to your favorite tasty cocktail sauce or quickly sauté them in garlic and butter for an explosive taste.
You can also use pre-cooked shrimp in salads to offer a tasty source of protein. And they make an excellent seafood addition to risotto and cheesy macaroni recipes. They also do well in both warm or chilled soups, lettuce wraps, spring rolls, sautéed with vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. And if you’re making a quick stir-fry, toss them in at the last minute for extra flavor.
How to Cook Already Cooked Shrimp Safely & to Retain Flavour?
FAQ
What can I do with already cooked shrimp?
- Shrimp soba. © Stephanie Foley. …
- Shrimp pasta. © Andrew Purcell. …
- Shrimp stew. © John Kernick. …
- Grain salad. © Johnny Valiant. …
- Bean salad. © Erin Alderson. …
- Grilled shrimp tacos. © Marcus Nilsson. …
- Shrimp torta. © Con Poulos.
How do you eat already cooked shrimp?
Shrimp often come pre-cooked in the grocery store. You may also have leftover shrimp you need to reheat. When cooking already cooked shrimp, thaw the shrimp if necessary and then use the oven, microwave, or stove to heat the shrimp. Pre-cooked shrimp can be used in a number of dishes, including pastas and salads.
How to heat up shrimp that’s already cooked?
Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C). Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture; this will help trap steam and retain moisture during the reheating process. Reheat for about 5-10 minutes until the shrimp are warmed through.
How to best cook precooked shrimp?
It’s super easy to cook or heat up pre cooked shrimp in an air fryer. It takes just 2-3 minutes, and you can cook them from fresh, frozen or thawed. I suggest seasoning with garlic & paprika for incredible flavor, and topping it all off with fresh parsley for a green touch.